Feb 2, 2003

I like Aamir Khan's performances (I'm not a gushing fan, but I have come to expect a certain
standard from him), so the following is just aimed to be a small criticism, not
an accusation. Just thinking about the different (and acclaimed) performances he
has given over the last few years, I felt the basic personality of the
characters he was playing in them was pretty identical. Add to these, the
different ad-spots he does for Coca Cola, which seem an extension of the same
personality. I can grant him that maybe he has not received the roles that would
defeat my criticisms, but I'm just basing this on the majority of the roles he has
done so far. I may not be able to explain the crux of my argument well, the
blame is entirely mine.

I have not watched Raja Hindustani, which I don't plan to unless I have
to watch
a double bill of that and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun?, if you get my drift. Nor
have I watched Raakh, which I hopefully will some day.

The kind of characterization that Aamir Khan has had in many of his roles
usually have him as the pro-active protagonist, not one who is introspective or
brooding or reactive to situations. He usually is a smart-alec or atleast one
who has the ripostes in the film. His character is usually overbearing, over
others in the film. Even in his one role that had dark shades
(1947-Earth), the role fits in more or less with the above descriptions.
In short, he has not enjoyed the variety that he probably deserves. It doesn't
matter if the role was a success or not, but the drastically different role has
yet to happen to him. In that sense, his "much awaited" Mann (Current
BC-ians would get that) was his only risky venture for it showed how much
he would bend over to help his brother! Of course, he has shown flashes of
emoting different emotions in the many films he has done, but nothing
substantially different on the whole. Perhaps, with his productions, he might
have more choice.

I've always maintained that it was a shame that stars like Amitabh didn't have
the guts or perhaps the inclination to experiment with roles. But atleast in
Amitabh's early years, he had the fortune of obtaining meaty or diverse roles
from Hrishikesh Mukherjee in Anand, Abhimaan, Namak Haraam
and even, for those who remember, Alaap. He could've made a difference in
the 80s when his word was gospel, but didn't exercise that power. Much like
Rajnikant these days. These supermegaultra stars seemed locked into a
self-perpetuating cycle of the same plots that got them to the top. Hopefully,
Aamir Khan will enjoy more dare-devilry in roles.

On a related note, I still find it hard to believe that Lagaan's Bhuvan
was first offered to Shah Rukh Khan. Perhaps the other great friendship of Gowarikar
led to that rather intriguing casting call, which Shah Rukh Khan declined then.
Anyway, Shah Rukh & Gowarikar have their opportunity to show how it might've
been with their newly announced Swades.